4 Surprisingly Tasty Slimming Foods

Are there really magical foods that help you lose weight and taste good, too?

At Integrative Nutrition, there are a few simple principles that can help just about everyone to get healthier, including shedding excess pounds. Generally, what works for most people is to eat less packaged or processed foods, more whole foods, drink more water, get adequate sleep each night, and make sure that you’re getting a healthy dose of primary food.

Some dietary theories promote certain foods and herbs that have slimming properties, among their many other healthy benefits. Here are a few that can help support your body when you want to shed excess weight and burn fat (and they actually taste good, too):

CacaoThis small tropical tree’s seeds turn into the food that's been called "Food of the Gods" – chocolate. Cacao contains theobromine, a mild stimulant that can help promote fat burning. It also increases pleasure and relaxation by boosting your endorphin and serotonin levels, the feel-good brain chemicals, which can also stimulate weight loss. Cacao is healthiest when consumed in its raw form (not as sugary chocolate bars), and is revered by raw food enthusiasts such as visiting teacher David Wolfe.

Green TeaFrom the Camellia sinensis plant, this brewed beverage contains theanine, which counteracts stress and promotes relaxation and focus. A study in the Journal of Nutrition shows that the main antioxidant component in green tea, called catechins, can help stimulate weight loss, especially belly fat.

Daikon RadishThis long white root is used in traditional Japanese and Macrobiotic cooking to help heal the body and ease the discharge of excess fat and fluids. Daikon is also a decongestant, diuretic, and helps ease the work of the kidneys by eliminating excess fluid retention.